UN SG Calls For Global Efforts To Promote SDGs

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is calling on people of the world to work together to promote and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to a release issued by UNMIL Monday, the UN Secretary General’s call was contained in his message in observance of this year’s celebration of International Day of Peace which is being celebrated today, June 13.The message noted that when citizens of the world work together, they can make peace possible.“Leaders of the world have given us a clear blueprint, and by following it, we can help build a future of peace and prosperity; that is why, over the next 100 days, beginning September, we must recognize that development and peace are interdependent and mutually reinforcing,” Ban emphasized.Every year on the International Day of Peace, the United Nations calls on peoples of the world to remember their common humanity and join together to build a future free of strife, observe a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, and to honour the cessation of hostilities.He observed that when people feel secure in their abilities to provide for their families, given access to the resources they need to live healthy lives, and feel truly included in their societies, they are much less likely to engage in conflict.This year’s celebration, which is being held under the theme: “The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace,” highlights how ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring broadly shared prosperity all contribute to global harmony.The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were unanimously adopted by the 193 Member States of the United Nations at an historic summit in September 2015. They are universal, applying to all countries and are integral to achieving peace.SDG #16 specifically focuses on “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”, yet peace runs like a thread through all 17 of the Goals.